The Nashville Predators have arrived in Stockholm, Sweden, ahead of their two-game series against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2025 NHL Global Series. Filip Forsberg and Adam Wilsby, both Swedish players on the roster, expressed excitement about playing in their home country. The team is looking to rebound after dropping their last five games, including a 6-3 loss to the New York Rangers.
The Nashville Predators touched down in Stockholm on Tuesday following an eight-hour flight from New York, where they had just suffered a 6-3 defeat to the Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Monday night. Despite the loss, Matthew Wood provided a highlight with his first career hat trick. The team, now on a five-game skid, is eager to reset during this international trip.
At a press conference inside Avicii Arena, forward Filip Forsberg smiled and said, “We’re ready to go.” He acknowledged the team's challenging start but emphasized the potential for the trip to strengthen bonds. “I think this is certainly a combination of [wanting to have fun but also wanting to win],” Forsberg added. “It hasn’t been the start that we're looking for... But a trip like this is something that could really make the team even stronger.”
Defenseman Adam Wilsby, another Swede on the roster, joined Forsberg in sharing enthusiasm for performing in front of friends, family, and countrymen. Head coach Andrew Brunette highlighted the timing's benefits after a grueling schedule of nine games in 16 nights, including back-to-backs and heavy travel. “For the group, I think it's refreshing in a lot of different ways,” Brunette said. “We get to take a step back... As a group, it's a great opportunity to bond together. These could be defining moments, and for us, I hope it is a defining moment."
Brunette also noted the special aspect for his European players: “To be able to come back to your home country, play in front of your friends and family and countrymen, is always special, especially for the European guys that played all season in North America.” The Predators face the Penguins on Friday and Sunday, aiming to collect points and turn the trip into a turning point.